He Has The Mind Of Hokage

Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

After a while, as if awakening from a dream, he came back to his senses, smiled at Xu Ming, nodded, and said, "I finally understand the difference between therapeutic ninjutsu and medical ninjutsu."

"The concept of treatment is broad, lacking specific rules."

"I've always felt that the two were closely related, yet I couldn't pinpoint the distinction. But after hearing you emphasize the core concept of 'emergency care,' I finally grasp the difference."

As he spoke, Orochimaru looked at Xu Ming with admiration.

"I'm just speaking casually. As long as it's useful to you, that's enough," Xu Ming said, waving his hand modestly.

Of course, this was just an act.

The concept of first aid would become the core principle of medical ninjas in future generations.

Xu Ming had essentially harnessed the power of time itself, turning the knowledge of the future into his own ideas and presenting them to the young Orochimaru.

"However, according to what you've said, first aid is primarily aimed at treating fatal injuries, but there are many types of life-threatening conditions," Orochimaru frowned, raising a new question.

Though the concept of first aid was clear, the human body was incredibly fragile.

Any injury could be fatal under certain circumstances.

"That's why animal experimentation is necessary," Xu Ming casually snapped his fingers.

"Animal experimentation..."

Orochimaru fell silent at these words.

It was a term he had never heard before, yet upon hearing it, he immediately grasped its meaning.

At the same time, he understood the weight behind this concept.

"Sometimes, to protect the people we cherish, we must take up arms," Xu Ming sighed, patting Orochimaru's shoulder in reassurance. "Medical ninjutsu is destined to be born from countless bloody trials."

These words calmed Orochimaru's expression.

He was no stranger to the harshness of the ninja world. The cruelty of life had long planted seeds of indifference in the hearts of every child.

And this was Orochimaru, after all.

"I understand."

Orochimaru took a deep breath and nodded firmly.

"By the way, animal experimentation is a long and resource-intensive process. I think you should find a collaborator."

Xu Ming paused, then smiled as he spoke a name.

"For example... Tsunade."

Senju Clan Territory

The night was deep.

Tsunade found herself blocked by Orochimaru, who had unexpectedly extended an invitation to collaborate on developing ninjutsu.

"No, no, no."

Tsunade immediately shook her head, looking completely uninterested.

"I have no desire to take part in whatever ninjutsu you and Xu Ming are working on."

"I'm not fond of developing overly lethal techniques. If it were related to taijutsu, I might be somewhat interested."

With that, she turned to head back inside.

She knew exactly what Xu Ming and Orochimaru were doing—these two had already developed two famous A-rank jutsu, Rasengan and Chidori.

Tsunade admired their talent but had no desire to participate in their work.

She believed that the world already had enough powerful jutsu.

Further development would only lead to more deaths.

Tsunade was opposed to such endeavors.

"I understand your reservations, Tsunade, but please, just listen to me," Orochimaru said, stepping forward to hold the door she was about to shut.

"Oh?"

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and turned back with an unkind expression. "If you can't convince me, be prepared to eat my fist!"

"It's medical ninjutsu!" Orochimaru quickly blurted out, breaking into a cold sweat.

He definitely didn't want to get punched by Tsunade.

"Medical ninjutsu?"

Tsunade's expression froze.

"Yes, medical ninjutsu designed to save lives!" Orochimaru nodded seriously. Seeing her expression shift slightly, he quickly explained everything.

He emphasized the concept of 'emergency care' in medical ninjutsu, describing its significance in detail.

As Tsunade listened, her eyes lit up.

This actually aligned with some vague ideas she had already been considering!

"Orochimaru, count me in!"

The displeasure on Tsunade's face vanished, replaced by enthusiasm. She grabbed Orochimaru's shoulders and said eagerly,

"I'm very interested in your medical ninjutsu!"

And just like that, Tsunade joined the project.

Tsunade's involvement was soon reported to both Uzumaki Mito and the Third Hokage.

Meeting in the Senju compound, the two elders reflected on the matter with admiration.

"Hiruzen, you have quite an outstanding disciple," Uzumaki Mito sighed.

"I never expected him to have such innovative ideas," the Third Hokage chuckled. "The development of medical ninjutsu, even if only partially successful, will bring immense prestige to those involved."

"If Xu Ming had continued participating, the reputation he gained would translate into overwhelming support. It would be so significant that even as Hokage, I would be uneasy."

"But he chose to step aside and let Tsunade take the credit."

The Third Hokage's expression turned complicated as he spoke.

Xu Ming now had two notable identities.

One, he was the Hokage's disciple.

Two, he was the Uchiha clan's son-in-law.

These affiliations represented the backing of Konoha's two most powerful families, Senju and Uchiha. To put it bluntly, two-thirds of Konoha stood behind Xu Ming.

(This was especially significant in this era, where the First, Second, and now Third Hokage had shaped the village.)

If Xu Ming had stayed involved in medical ninjutsu development and achieved success, he would have gained massive support from civilian and lesser-known ninjas.

These ninjas, often lacking resources, suffered the highest casualty rates on the front lines.

With their backing, combined with his ties to the Senju and Uchiha clans, Xu Ming's influence would reach terrifying heights.

The selection process for the Fourth Hokage might even begin ahead of schedule.

"But he willingly gave up that opportunity," Uzumaki Mito said, her expression warm with approval. "Regardless of his reasons, the fact remains—he stepped aside and gave Tsunade the spotlight. That alone makes this old woman see him as a worthy successor."

"Indeed."

The Third Hokage nodded, smiling. "Despite his youth, he already possesses the mindset of a Hokage."